Cruising the Bahamas- Nassau & Bimini

Recently I took my first cruise ever on the Norwegian Jade. It was a five day cruise, leaving from Miami, Florida and the Jade stopped at four ports. I wrote all about my experience on the Norwegian Jade in my recent blog post. If you haven’t read it, what are you waiting for? When I travel, I love going at my own pace, and I often don’t have a strict schedule because I want to be open to experiences. So, I didn’t think I would like that a cruise has a regimented schedule, with specific times that you have be back on the ship. In this blog, I want to share my experiences with two of the ports I experienced while cruising the Bahamas-Nassau and Bimini.

Norwegian Jade Bahamas Itinerary

My cruise on the Norwegian Jade was 5 nights, with 4 ports of call, which you can see below.

I had a great deal to go on this cruise, but one of the things that was not included in this cruise, or any for that matter, are excursions. I did receive a $50 credit with my cruise package, but I am not a big fan of water activities. So I decided to not go with ANY excursions and just explore on my own. First stop on our first full day was Nassau.

Excursions at Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and exciting water activities. Popular cruise excursions include:

• Atlantis Resort & Aquaventure – This excursion takes visitors by boat to the world-famous Atlantis Resort, where they can enjoying thrilling water slides, a lazy river, and marine exhibits.
• Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day – At the Blue Lagoon Island, a private island, visitors can relax, enjoying the crystal-clear waters, hammocks, and optional water sports.
• Pearl Island Escape – A short boat ride takes cruisers to Pearl Island, where they can snorkel, paddleboard, or just soak up the sun.
• Dolphin or Sea Lion Encounters allow cruisers to get up close with dolphins or sea lions at a marine sanctuary.
• Historical & Cultural Tour – A guided tour where cruisers can visit landmarks like Fort Fincastle, the Queen’s Staircase, and the Pirates of Nassau Museum.

The guided walking tour sounded the most my style, but I didn’t want to pay the $90 for the tour, so I decided to explore the island by foot on my own.

Self-guided walking tour of Nassau

If you’re arriving by cruise ship, begin your walking tour at Rawson Square, a lively civic hub just steps from the port. It’s a great place to get oriented and admire the colonial-era statue of Queen Victoria, surrounded by government buildings and Bahamian flags. I’m a big fan of Queen Victoria, so I was excited to pay a little visit.

This is also the location of Parliament Square, where pastel-pink Georgian-style buildings house the Bahamian Senate, Supreme Court, and House of Assembly. It’s a striking example of British colonial architecture and a perfect spot for photos. A short stroll west takes you to the Pompey Museum of Slavery & Emancipation, located in the historic Vendue House, once a slave auction site. The museum has exhibits that explore the Bahamas’ history of slavery and resistance, including the story of Pompey, a rebel slave who became a national hero.

From there, head to the nearby Straw Market, a bustling indoor bazaar where local vendors sell handwoven straw goods, wood carvings, and souvenirs. Apparently it’s acceptable to barter here, but I didn’t. I found the only souvenir I regularly buy- a Christmas ornament. What souvenirs do you need to buy everywhere you travel?

The Queen’s Staircase

The next stop was during my self-guided walking tour was my favorite spot-The Queen’s Staircase. This historic landmark was carved out of solid limestone by enslaved Africans between 1793 and 1794 as an escape route from nearby Fort Fincastle. Later named in honor of Queen Victoria for her role in abolishing slavery, the staircase originally featured 65 steps, though only 64 are visible today. It rises about 102 feet, has a small waterfall next to it. The pedestrian road leading to the Queen’s Staircase is also impressive, tall limestone walls surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.

At the top, though it’s currently not open, visitors can explore Fort Fincastle, shaped like a ship’s bow. Beyond its striking appearance, the Queen’s Staircase stands as a powerful symbol of strength, resilience, and freedom for the Bahamian people.

Continuing on the tour along Shirley Street and you’ll pass the Nassau Public Library, which used to be the jail and is located in front of the Garden of Remembrance.

From there I continued on my walk, passing the Christ Church Cathedral, the Government House which is the official residence of the governor, and several other charming sites.

Graycliff Heritage Village

Another favorite spot for me in Nassau was the Graycliff Heritage Village. This charming historic area centers around the 18th-century Graycliff Hotel, originally built by a pirate captain and later used by British officers. I loved wandering the area and finding the hanging umbrellas. The little village is very charming, with beautifully restored colonial buildings housing artisan shops such as a cigar factory where visitors can watch or roll cigars or the Graycliff Chocolatier.

There are several museums in this area, including the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas, located in Mountbatten House. This museum showcases artifacts from the islands’ early history through the modern era, including pirate relics and emancipation-era pieces. There is also the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, set in the historic Villa Doyle mansion. Another nearby museum is the Pirates of Nassau Museum which offers a fun, interactive dive into the city’s swashbuckling past. The whole area feels refined, colorful, playful yet peaceful—an ideal place to experience Nassau’s history, art, and culture away from the busier downtown crowds.

John Watling’s Distillery

After wandering the Graycliff Heritage Village, venture uphill to John Watling’s Distillery, housed in the 18th-century Buena Vista Estate. Here, you can take a short free tour, sample locally made rum, and sip a traditional Bahamian cocktail (may I suggest the pina colada) under the shade of the estate’s palms. It was a nice way to escape the sun and heat and partake in a Bahaman staple.

Junkaboo Beach

To wrap up your tour, head to Junkanoo Beach, a popular public spot just west of downtown. Grab a drink at one of the beachfront bars, enjoy a refreshing swim or just relax on the pier and take in the beautiful views.

After a few hours exploring Nassau I headed back to the ship, I had gotten my fill of Nassau in less than 4 hours and it was a lovely time.

Great Stirrup Cay

The second day of my cruise brought us to Great Stirrup Cay- Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island paradise in the Bahamas. This 268-acre island features pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a variety of activities. Guests can unwind on Bertram’s Cove and Cabana Beach, where complimentary lounge chairs and shaded spots create the ideal setting for a relaxing beach day. For those looking for excitement, the island offers snorkeling, paddleboarding, WaveRunner tours, and even parasailing for breathtaking aerial views of the island.

Dining and drinks are included during your visit, with options like Jumbey Beach Grill for classic beach fare, a taco bar for fresh island-style flavors, and Bacardi and Patron bars serving up tropical cocktails. For a more exclusive experience, guests can book private beachfront cabanas or upgrade to Silver Cove, a VIP retreat featuring private villas, a secluded lagoon, and personalized service. Nature lovers can explore walking trails and interactive wildlife encounters, such as the Stingray Encounter, where visitors can swim alongside these gentle sea creatures.

As lovely as Grand Stirrup Cay sounds, I opted to stay on the cruise ship that day, enjoying having the ship basically to myself. I also wasn’t looking forward to the boat ride to the island. I heard great things about the island though!

Bimini, Bahamas

The third day of the cruise brought us to Bimini. Bimini is a secluded paradise, famous for its pristine waters, marine life, and relaxed island vibe. Like the other ports, Norwegian Cruise Lines offers cruisers several excursion. Some excursion highlights include:

• Bimini Beach Club – Relax at a private beach club with cabanas, pools, and beachfront service.
• The Sapona Shipwreck Snorkeling – Snorkel around the famous SS Sapona shipwreck, which is home to tropical fish and coral formations.
• Shark Encounter at Bimini Scuba Center – Experience an exhilarating shark dive (for certified divers).
• Jet Ski Adventure – Explore Bimini’s coastline on a high-speed jet ski tour.
• Fishing Excursions – Bimini is known as the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World,” offering opportunities to catch marlin, tuna, and wahoo.

About Bimini

Bimini is just about 50 miles off the coast of Florida, making it the closest Bahamian island to the U.S. mainland. It’s roughly a two-hour boat ride or a 20- to 30-minute flight from Miami or Fort Lauderdale, which makes it an easy escape that still feels worlds away. High-speed ferries and small planes run regularly, so it’s a popular spot for quick getaways, day trips, or weekend adventures. The day my cruise ship visited we were the only ship there, but I met a few people who had taken a ferry there and were staying the weekend.

Bimini has three main towns, all located on North Bimini: Alice Town, the cultural and tourist hub with shops, restaurants, and historic sites; Bailey Town, the largest residential area where most locals live; and Porgy Bay, a smaller, quieter community nearby.

Exploring Bimini

It was so great exploring Bimini by golf cart. I loved driving around and stopping at some of the beaches I saw. Most people in Bimini were exploring in the same manner. It’s not a big island, but it is long and by golf cart I was able to see almost the whole island!

I took the golf cart all the way to the end of Alice Town and parked in the grass next to the cemetery to walk around and explore. There were quite a few others there, but it was stunning scenery.

Dolphin House

While driving through Alice Town I was able to visit The Dolphin House. This home is a colorful, hand-built structure created by local artist and historian Ashley Saunders. Saunders used recycled materials like shells, tiles, and sea glass. It serves as both a home to Saunders who also uses it as a museum. It is decorated with mosaics, poems, and murals that celebrate dolphins, Bimini’s culture, and its spiritual energy. Visitors can take guided tours, often led by Saunders himself, and explore the house’s vibrant interiors and rooftop views. I loved seeing this charming and eclectic home.

Conch in Bimini

Conch is a big deal in Bimini — you’ll see it everywhere. Locals pull it right out of the sea, and the meat shows up in all kinds of dishes: fresh conch salad with lime and peppers, cracked conch fried to perfection, or fritters that are perfect with a cold drink. A lot of places make it right in front of you, especially the roadside stands, which are usually the best. Beyond the food, you’ll notice conch shells all over the island — in gardens, lining walkways, even stacked in big piles by the docks. It’s not just food here, it’s part of the whole vibe.

I heard lots about making sure to get some conch salad while in Bimini. And when I took a back road in Alice Town I came across Big Mike’s Conch Salad Stand. This is a beloved local spot in Bimini, known for serving some of the island’s freshest and most flavorful conch salad. Prepared right in front of you by Big Mike himself, the salad is made with chopped raw conch, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and fresh citrus juice, with just the right amount of heat if you ask for it. The stand is small and unassuming, right near waterfront. I decided to pass on the conch, but I did enjoy the pink drink he served and then took a walk along the water.

The blue waters of Bimini

Let’s get sciency, shall we? Let’s talk about the amazing water in Bimini. It appears so vividly blue because of its shallow, white sandy seafloor, which reflects sunlight and enhances the natural blue tones. The water is low-sediment which allows light to penetrate deeply without being scattered. In addition, the limestone base beneath the sand further brightens the color. Combined with strong tropical sunlight, especially at midday, these factors create the striking turquoise and deep blue shades that make Bimini’s waters look almost unreal.

There is a resort on Bimini, called Resort World. Visitors can get a day-pass to visit the Resort, including the private beach, pool and loungers. Anyone can visit the restaurant, casino or shops located there. There are also private villas and condos, and there are parts of the island (the northwestern side) that are not accessible by golfcart.

Bimini was absolutely stunning and I recommend visiting! I’m still thinking about the water there.

Freeport, Bahamas

The last port stop during my 5 day cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line was Freeport, Bahamas. Freeport is known for its eco-tourism, underwater adventures, and natural beauty. I opted to stay on the ship at this port, as there wasn’t anything super accessible by walking, but top excursions include:

• Lucayan National Park & Cave Exploration – Here visitors can explore stunning limestone caves, mangroves, and Gold Rock Beach, a filming location for Pirates of the Caribbean.
• All-Inclusive Beach Resort Day – Enjoy unlimited food, drinks, and beach access at a private resort.
• Snorkeling at Deadman’s Reef (Paradise Cove) – Swim among colorful fish, sea turtles, and stingrays.
• Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
• ATV Adventure – Ride through tropical landscapes and coastal trails on an off-road adventure.
• Dolphin Swim & Interaction – Visit a marine sanctuary to swim and interact with friendly dolphins.

Wrapping up

I really enjoyed cruising, it was such a nice mix of relaxing and exploring. While I didn’t opt to go on any excursions, each port on during my Bahamas cruise offered its own slice of island charm. From the colorful energy of Nassau to the relaxed beaches of Freeport and private island vibes of Great Stirrup Cay, But Bimini, with its laid-back spirit, vibrant conch shacks, and glowing turquoise waters, really left a lasting impression on me. Whether you opt for exploring local history, snorkeling in crystal-clear shallows, or just sipping a cold drink by the water, each stop brings a different side of the Bahamas to life. I think I will be cruising again in the future. Have you cruised? Which was your favorite, or your favorite ports? I’d love to hear from you. Please leave me your comments, and catch you soon!

-Catching Katie